A white Christmas
New Zealand wine enjoyed a white Christmas this year, as country-of-origin leader in the United Kingdom's Still White Wine Category.
Dave studied Medical Laboratory Science at university, majoring in microbiology, followed by seven years working in hospital laboratories in Auckland.
But the discovery of wine in his early 20s grew into more than a hobby, and by 2002 Dave had completed a Certificate in Winemaking at EIT in Hawke's Bay, as well as his first vintage, at Villa Maria in Mangere.
He says the past 20 years have been a time of extraordinary growth for the New Zealand wine industry.
"Consumers around the world have continued to discover and fall in love with Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, a wine style with such distinction and sense of place."
New Zealand has become "globally renowned" for its focus on sustainability and innovation.
"We've always had a focus on quality, and that has helped us build value in critical markets, grow the industry and flyy the flag."
He says the challenge for the industry now is getting through a period of high stock inventories in some markets, leading to a short-term oversupply.
"It's been tough but we know we can get through it. Other challenges, which are also opportunities, are adapting to climate changes, managing and revitalising ageing vineyards, invigorating and inspiring a new generation of wine consumers, and adapting to changing export market landscapes."
New Zealand remains a premium producer of quality wine and retains a high average price point on shelf, he says.
"There's an opportunity to build on this, leverage the strength of brand New Zealand, tell our stories and capitalise on the world-class wines we know we make. As a cool climate winegrowing region, we are positioned well to dynamically adapt to a changing climate through our can-do and creative approach."
